{"id":"nps-grsa","slug":"great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve","name":"Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve","designation":"National Park & Preserve","category":"national-park","categoryLabel":"National Park","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"GRSA","designation":"National Park & Preserve","sourceId":"nps-grsa"}],"states":["CO"],"stateNames":["Colorado"],"location":{"lat":37.79256812,"lon":-105.5919572},"bbox":[-105.7282,37.663,-105.4287,37.9554],"acres":{"value":149941,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Stay on a moonless night to experience countless stars in this International Dark Sky Park! Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week year-round. There are no timed entries or reservations to visit.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=37.9554&b_tl_lng=-105.7282&b_br_lat=37.663&b_br_lng=-105.4287","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Great%20Sand%20Dunes%20National%20Park%20%26%20Preserve","directions":"https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/BC4ACB4C-0A6D-0188-E9A6AA1217827461.jpg","title":"Dunes and Crestone Peaks at Sunset","alt":"Grasslands, large dunes, and snow-capped peaks at sunset","caption":"The view at the park entrance contrasts giant dunes and snow-capped mountains.","credit":"NPS/Patrick Myers","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7CE6BD-1DD8-B71B-0B572A2B7842A510.jpg","title":"Girls Sand Sledding","alt":"Girls Sand Sledding","caption":"Rent specially designed sand sleds to slide on the dry sand.  Note: cardboard, snow sleds, saucers, and other items don't slide on dry sand.","credit":"NPS/Patrick Myers","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7CFDEA-1DD8-B71B-0B5A198106C9A109.jpg","title":"Elk, Grasslands, Dunes, and Sangre de Cristo Mountains","alt":"Elk, Grasslands, Dunes, and Sangre de Cristo Mountains","caption":"Elk are sometimes seen by visitors along the park entrance road or County Lane 6, primarily fall through spring.","credit":"","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7D0109-1DD8-B71B-0B95485B738AE811.jpg","title":"Lower Sand Creek Lake, Great Sand Dunes National Preserve","alt":"Lower Sand Creek Lake, Great Sand Dunes National Preserve","caption":"Spectacular alpine lakes are part of the backcountry of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve","credit":"NPS/Kris Illenberger","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7D0254-1DD8-B71B-0B302F546130C0B3.jpg","title":"Upper Sand Creek Basin, Great Sand Dunes National Preserve","alt":"Upper Sand Creek Basin, Great Sand Dunes National Preserve","caption":"Sand Creek Basin, part of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, contains lush forests and alpine lakes.","credit":"NPS/Patrick Myers","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7D0B9A-1DD8-B71B-0B62FA4120CA0DE8.jpg","title":"Fall Colors Along Mosca Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park","alt":"Fall Colors Along Mosca Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park","caption":"Fall is a pretty time to visit the park, with great colors and generally nice weather.","credit":"NPS/Patrick Myers","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/B841835F-9E6C-AB24-2A2DCCD0200F302B.jpg","title":"Gold Cottonwoods, Dunes, and Cleveland Peak","alt":"Gold cottonwood trees, large dunes, a silver cloud, and snow-capped mountain","caption":"Experiencing Great Sand Dunes in the quieter seasons of fall and winter can be a rewarding experience.","credit":"NPS/Patrick Myers","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/BEB545F8-F6F7-AA30-7B7567CB4A800D66.jpg","title":"Girl Floating Medano Creek","alt":"A teen girl sits on a floatation device","caption":"Visitors can float Medano Creek's waves during late spring peak flow, in years of good snowpack","credit":"NPS/Patrick Myers","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Arts and Culture","Craft Demonstrations","Live Music","Auto and ATV","Auto Off-Roading","Astronomy","Stargazing","Biking","Mountain Biking","Camping","Backcountry Camping","Car or Front Country Camping","Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)","Group Camping","RV Camping","Climbing","Mountain Climbing","Compass and GPS","Orienteering","Fishing","Freshwater Fishing","Fly Fishing","Food","Dining","Picnicking","Guided Tours","Hands-On","Arts and Crafts","Volunteer Vacation","Hiking","Backcountry Hiking","Front-Country Hiking","Off-Trail Permitted Hiking","Horse Trekking","Horse Camping (see also camping)","Horseback Riding","Hunting and Gathering","Hunting","Junior Ranger Program","Tubing","River Tubing","Skiing","Cross-Country Skiing","Downhill Skiing","Snow Play","Snowshoeing","Swimming","Freshwater Swimming","Water Skiing","Wildlife Watching","Birdwatching","Park Film","Museum Exhibits","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store","Gift Shop and Souvenirs"],"topics":["African American Heritage","Archeology","Arts","Painting","Photography","Sculpture","Asian American Heritage","Colonization and Settlement","Explorers and Expeditions","Farming and Agriculture","Ranches","Hispanic American Heritage","Latino American Heritage","Military","Infantry and Militia","Native American Heritage","Science, Technology and Innovation","Westward Expansion","Homesteading","The Gold Rush","Ancient Seas","Animals","Birds","Bison","Cats (wild)","Elk","Fish","Arctic","Tundra","Climate Change","Dunes","Fire","Foothills, Plains and Valleys","Forests and Woodlands","Coniferous Forests","Deciduous Forests","Geology","Mineral Deposits","Groundwater","Aquifers","Freshwater Springs","Grasslands","Prairies","Meadows","Impact Craters","Lakes","Mountains","Natural Sounds","Night Sky","Astronomy","River and Riparian","Rock Landscapes and Features","Scenic Views","Trails","Unique Species","Volcanoes","Wetlands","Wilderness"],"fees":[{"title":"Entrance - Private Vehicle","cost":"25.00","description":"Fees are charged only when the entrance station is open in the spring, summer, and fall seasons or when the visitor center is open in the winter season. Fees can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. Passes may also be purchased in advance online through recreation.gov ."},{"title":"Entrance - Non-commercial Groups","cost":"15.00","description":"15+ passenger vehicle, age 16+"},{"title":"Entrance - Motorcycle","cost":"20.00","description":"Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Sedan","cost":"25.00","description":"This fee is for a commercial group of 1-6 people in a smaller vehicle. Valid for 7 days."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Van","cost":"40.00","description":"This fee is for a commercial group of 7-15 persons in a van. Valid for 7 days."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus","cost":"40.00","description":"This fee is for a commercial group of 16-25 persons in a mini-bus. Valid for 7 days."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach","cost":"100.00","description":"This fee is for a commercial motor coach with 26+ capacity. Valid for 7 days."},{"title":"Entrance - Per Person","cost":"15.00","description":"Entrance Fee for Bicycles or Walk-In Visitors"}],"passes":[{"title":"Annual Entrance - Park","cost":"45.00","description":"If you visit Great Sand Dunes more than once in a year, consider purchasing an annual pass to save money. The Great Sand Dunes Annual Pass admits the pass holder(s) and all family members in the vehicle into the park for one year from date of purchase."}],"hours":[{"name":"Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve","description":"The park and preserve are open 24/7 all year","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"To access the main park area, including the Dunes Parking Lot, Visitor Center, and Pinon Flats Campground, take US 160 to CO 150 from the south, or CO 17 to Lane 6 to CO 150 from the west. The national park is at the north end of CO 150.","weatherInfo":"Temperatures are relatively cool all year at the park elevation 8000 ft. Conditions are most often calm, but winds can arise, especially in spring and during storm fronts. Daytime temperatures feel warmer here year round due to intense high-altitude sunlight, and mid-day summer sand surface temps can be 160 degrees F! Plan to explore the dunes morning or evening during summer. Nights are cool in summer, and frigid in winter. Visit https://nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/weather.htm for details","contacts":{"phone":"(719) 378-6395","email":"grsa_interpretation@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center","description":"The visitor center offers restrooms, a water fill station, interactive exhibits, and a 20-minute video about the park. Park rangers are available to answer questions and help you plan your time.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/visitor-center.htm","lat":37.733207337419934,"lon":-105.51212883205153},{"name":"Entrance Station","description":"Purchase park passes at the Entrance Station, located on the main entrance road.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/fees.htm","lat":37.72511596720632,"lon":-105.51924164307951}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Piñon Flats Campground","description":"Piñon Flats is a National Park Service campground located one mile north of the Visitor Center, open April through October. All sites are by reservation on recreation.gov. Beginning in the 2026 season, Individual and group sites can be reserved up to 3 months in advance.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/pinonflatscampground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234685","sites":91},{"name":"Medano Pass Primitive Road Campsites","description":"Roadside camping is permitted at 21 campsites in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve beginning 5.2 miles from where the road begins near Piñon Flats Campground. These designated sites are free of charge and first-come, first-served. All 21 sites fill on summer weekends. Passable only in the warmer months and only with high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles. This road crosses areas of deep sand, traverses Medano Creek nine times, and passes through excellent habitat for bighorn sheep.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/medano-pass-road.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":21},{"name":"Backpacking Campsites in the Dunes or Forest","description":"The most popular and unique backpacking option is camping in the 30-square-mile dunefield, beyond the major dune ridgeline (about 1.5 mile hike minimum over dunes). Enjoy wide open views of the starry sky or a bright moonlit night. Designated sites are also available in the trees of the foothills, or camping is available in higher forests of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. Reserve national park backpacking permits for the dunes or foothills through recreation.gov","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675316","sites":27}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"baca-national-wildlife-refuge","km":20},{"slug":"alamosa-national-wildlife-refuge","km":44},{"slug":"monte-vista-national-wildlife-refuge","km":55},{"slug":"rio-grande-national-forest","km":96},{"slug":"rio-grande-del-norte-national-monument","km":111},{"slug":"san-isabel-national-forest","km":113}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=grsa"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.614Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"Creek Crossings on Medano Pass Primitive Road Have Deep and Swift Water","text":"The park weather station measured 1.5 inches of rain overnight on 10/23/2026. Medano Creek is currently flowing at 28 cubic feet per second. These conditions have resulted in many of the 9 creek crossings on this 4WD only road to have swift moving water that is 3 or more feet deep on some of these crossings. Extreme caution is advised. NOTE this does not affect access to the Main Dunes Parking or Pinon Flats Campground, or Visitor Center areas of the park.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/medano-pass-road.htm","updated":"2026-10-23 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-027AC673-95FC-4B25-AB71-2096C01D6FF2"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Great Sand Dunes Currently at Stage 1 Fire Restrictions","text":"As of August 18th, Great Sand Dunes is under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. All wood and charcoal fires must be in established fire rings in designated campsites or picnic sites. No other open fires are allowed. Fires MUST BE put out COLD before leaving your site and must not be left unattended. camp stoves and other pressurized gas devices allowed.","url":null,"updated":"2026-08-22 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-9D01ED0A-8C73-43A1-8E05-307AA7CD0FB9"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"Speed Limits are Much Lower Inside Park than Surrounding Highways","text":"Speed limits for the park include 30 MPH near the park boundary and Great Sand Dunes Sign, and as low as 10 MPH near the Headquarters and Entrance Station. Speed limits are in place to protect park visitors, pedestrians, and wildlife in the park. Please drive carefully and responsibly.","url":null,"updated":"2026-02-17 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-3FC08B61-062E-4657-A182-A22DCF486AB5"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Sand Board and Sand Sled Rentals Not Available In Park.","text":"Sand boarding and sand sled rentals are located in local communities surrounding the park. Visitors are encouraged to arrange rentals BEFORE coming to the park.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/sandboardingsandsledding.htm","updated":"2025-12-22 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-AAC423BE-C5AC-4E74-B250-DA50F6A19561"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Piñon Flats Campground, sites can be reserved 3 months in advance for 2026","text":"Due to the need for improvements in Piñon Flats Campground, sites can be reserved 3 months in advance beginning in 2026.","url":null,"updated":"2025-09-10 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-BDA0DA92-BDDE-495E-A3CA-26EC77F84B33"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve.geojson"}